Ripples in the Drought

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.
Isaiah 44:3.

Zimbabwe has declared a state of disaster. For 7 months now, the nation has been experiencing a severe drought as a result of the El Niño weather phenomenon. It's been 7 months of scorched crops, starving livestock, and struggling families. 

In many communities in Zimbabwe, children have the daily chore of collecting the family's water from the local river or community well, rising early in the mornings to fill their buckets and return home before heading to school. With the rivers drying up, the lines at the well have gotten longer and longer, with kids arriving as early as 2am to get in line to ensure their family's needs are met that day. 

Lelise, a 14 year old girl, woke especially early one morning to go to the well. Alone and in the dark of the early morning, Lelise was approached by a man, and was sexually assaulted. 

Water is more valuable than ever in many communities experiencing drought across southern Africa, and the children traveling to the wells have become more vulnerable than ever. Even though Lelise's story is traumatic, God is already using it and bringing healing to her in the process using RiverCross Champions to train up her community to better protect children. One local leader says, "We want our communities to be a better place for children, and the increasing of safety begins in our homes and becomes a ripple effect going into the community." 

Sexual assault is evil, but God is able to bring beauty even from these ashes.

*Although the stories we share are true, some identifying details have been changed.